New owner? Want MPG help? Read this first.

[tmgrl3]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(obtuseangler @ Sep 28 2006, 09:04 PM) [snapback]325344[/snapback]</div>

Anyway, my wife drives about 37 miles daily. She pays no attention whatsoever to the energy consumption screens. She just loves the way the car looks and drives, and her main passion is the stereo. She drives the Prius just like she drove the Corolla. She is consistently averaging 50 mpg and the car is not broken in. I've put gas in the Pruis twice, five gallons each time.

If the EPA estimate on the Prius is 61/50 and we are getting 50 I'm happy. Our gas savings more than make up for the added cost of the Prius.
[/b]

I'm chuckling because I parked next to two Prii this week. Chatted up the owners...Neither knew about
P&G or coasting or stealth...they simply "drive" the car (although one person does go to Queens every day from Long Island)....Each of them said the average around 50 mpg with parkway and around 45 for local...

I'm still struggling with getting above 42 mpg for my local errand driving.......

I still think it does help, though, to use the P&G and coasting and Electric-only....I was much lower before I did...

terri

[m0nkey]

Hi everyone. I'm a brand new Prius owner (got a 2007 Package #3 on 9/27), and this forum has been fantastic. I was really excited to see a link to a guide on how to get good MPG, but the link isn't working I keep getting a "404 URL Not Found" error. Was the content lost during the PC downtime? Is this information available in another format for us newbies?

Thanks!
Anna

[hammermill]

I read the article quite a while ago but have been unable to load it since I took delivery of my '07 on 9/26. I also assume it was lost in the most recent server meltdown. Perhaps someone has a copy saved that they would be willing to post?

[efusco]

Take a look at Greenhybrid.com for the same article, Danny hasn't gotten our database completely restored yet.

[tmgrl3]

In addition to Greenhybrid.com....I found this article helpful ...I'm still a new owner...got my car in July, 06...but my mileage went from 30 mpg on first tank (which may have been the "dealer's tank syndrome") to 42.5 mpg...I am on my fourth tank and holding at this.

http://www.hybridcars.com/gas-saving...ota-prius.html

Hopefully, when Evan's article comes back up here, you will take the time to read that as well....all great stuff!!


terri

[PA]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(m0nkey @ Oct 1 2006, 08:17 PM) [snapback]326619[/snapback]</div>

I was really excited to see a link to a guide on how to get good MPG, but the link isn't working I keep getting a "404 URL Not Found" error.
[/b]

The link in the original post doesn't work for me either, but a link in one of efusco's subsequent replies worked for me just now (for his "Why don't I get the EPA mileage?").

Apologies if this is old news but I just came across this thread.

And thanks to all those who have provided such helpful info for us new owners!

[obtuseangler]

I had the same problem. You might try this link for info. I found it on this site. I haven't gone through it yet, but looks interesting.

http://john1701a.com/

Took the Prius on its first highway road trip this weekend. 47.5 mpg at 70 mph on a 350 mile round trip. Close enough to EPA highway estimate for me. BTW, if you put a pillow on the center armrest it's much more comfortable on a long drive.

[emilynagle]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(terri @ Sep 29 2006, 08:42 AM) [snapback]325628[/snapback]</div>

I'm chuckling because I parked next to two Prii this week. Chatted up the owners...Neither knew about
P&G or coasting or stealth...they simply "drive" the car (although one person does go to Queens every day from Long Island)....Each of them said the average around 50 mpg with parkway and around 45 for local...

I'm still struggling with getting above 42 mpg for my local errand driving.......

I still think it does help, though, to use the P&G and coasting and Electric-only....I was much lower before I did...

terri
[/b]

Funny. It took me a tank or so to get into the consumption screen and begin to drive differently. Now I can't imagine not monitoring it and I've only driven a whopping two thousand miles so far. One of the best things this car can do is make us more mindful drivers.. hopefully a little safer and definitely more aware of how we are using energy. Just think.. If we all, no matter what we drove, could collectively let off the gas pedal a little how much energy we would save.

[darelldd]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MechaJohn @ Jul 31 2006, 12:25 PM) [snapback]295249[/snapback]</div>

I just ordered my Prius. I am hoping to get decent mileage, but only have a 3.5 mile commute. It's barely enough to warm up the engine from what I have been reading. I have to admit, reading about the issue of short trips gave me pause, but in the end, I decided Prius is the right choice for me (lower gasoline consumption, low emissions, space age features, roomy interior, etc.). Even at the low end of the scale, I should get about 3X what I get now in my 4Runner (14MPG). Of course, I plan to implement all the other suggestions.
[/b]

Can I give you one more suggestion? Stop driving a gasoline car 3.5 miles! Unless it is insanely hot, or insanely cold or wet, that's bike-riding distance. Get in shape, save money, save gas and save the environment all at the same time!

My rough rule of thumb is that a mile or under I walk. Five miles or under I ride my bike. 100 miles or under I drive an electric car. Over that, I drive the Prius.

Of course all rules are made to be broken, and I now commute 24 miles on my bicycle. I'm a huge EV proponent, but I honestly rarely drive ANY vehicle that weighs more than I do.

The best way to save gas is to avoid driving whenever possible.

[galaxee]

i just updated the link in the original post to the *functional* article database.